Celebrated Los Angeles chef Ray Garcia brings his Mexican restaurant ¡Viva! to Resorts World with its menu of hits, including his must-order chicharron and garlic mojo. The design of the restaurant takes diners out of Las Vegas and immerses them in Mexico, replete with nods to Día de Muertos images and bursts of floral displays.
Celano Design Studio created the look of the space in conjunction with local architect Marnell Companies. Diners can step out on the indoor promenade patio that sits along the resort’s 70,000-square-foot shopping esplanade dubbed The District, or head to the bar and lounge area with suspended ceilings decorated with plants and floral arrangements. A large mural by artists Chalk & Brush anchors the indoor patio, while outside, diners can sit on the people-watching patio that overlooks Las Vegas Boulevard.
Vincent Celano, founder and CEO of Celano Design Studio, says he found inspiration from Mexican culture and melded that with distinctly Las Vegas touches. “When designing ¡Viva!, we wanted to create a collection of spaces with individual atmospheres that are wholly unique, yet still come together to tell the same story, one that represents the lively culture and tradition of Mexico and the regional modern Mexican cuisine for which chef Ray Garcia is known, while celebrating its location in the heart of Las Vegas,” Celano says. “We embraced natural elements like wood and greenery while pairing them with vibrant colors and artwork to create a layered and rich experience filled with texture, festivity, and life. There is nothing in Vegas quite like it.”
Some of the beautiful touches to the space include an exploding flower infinity mirror that doubles as an art installation. Behind the main bar sits a bottle display influenced by the architecture of ancient ruins around Mexico. Anchoring the dining room, a dazzling driftwood sculpture resembling a tree in bloom. On the indoor patio, a vibrant mural designed by Miami-based Chalk & Brush, inspired by the culture, landscape, architecture, and patterns of Mexico, which acts as a backdrop for the bar. A private dining room showcases ¡Viva!’s exclusive tequila and mezcal collection.
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